Project presentation
The Green Energy project, led by Gbobètô, takes place in Benin and aims to provide an ecological, healthy, and economical alternative to charcoal, which is used daily by 80% of households. According to the World Health Organization, 4 million people die each year from illnesses linked to household air pollution caused by cooking with solid fuels or kerosene. Moreover, charcoal contributes to deforestation in Benin, which is among the ten countries most affected by forest loss in terms of percentage of forest area lost over the past 20 years.
After three years of experimentation, the association developed a cost-effective and efficient briquette made from agricultural waste. This eco-friendly fuel is less harmful to the health of women who cook, particularly when used with the AlafIa stove, also designed by Gbobètô and produced by pottery cooperatives. The project seeks to expand commercial outlets and increase production capacity by training agricultural cooperatives (mainly women) providing the raw material, setting up a new production unit, establishing partnerships with additional pottery cooperatives, and raising awareness among local populations about the use of these products.
